PRESS RELEASE

 
  1. The APA expresses serious concerns about the DFID funded project. We are dissatisfied with the process, which lacks adequate participation of Amerindians. Despite several requests we have not been given a copy of the latest draft of the Forest Legislation, 20 Amerindian Captains have written the British Government about lack of participation. They have not had a single response.
  2. The draft act does not recognise Amerindian rights and parts of it may be unconstitutional, we have said do many times. Chris Turnbull the DFID Project Manager, Graham Chaplain, John Hudson all knows that the legislation is defective. Yet they have not acted. Chaplain even came to this office and tried to get us to withdraw our concerns.

The British Government must understand that it cannot trample on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. We are no longer silent and invisible.

We do not support the legislation – for this to go forward we must see the latest draft. So must the communities.

As key stakeholders the legislation has to be acceptable top the Indigenous peoples of this country.

It has to be thoroughly revised to protect the rights of the Indigenous Peoples and allow our forestry sector to develop properly.


Amerindian Peoples Association
February 17, 2000